Respiratory Care Assistant - Boone, United States - UNC Health Appalachian

Description

Position Overview:

As a Respiratory Care Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting respiratory therapists and healthcare professionals in the treatment and care of patients with respiratory disorders. Your responsibilities will encompass a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring the well-being and comfort of patients undergoing respiratory therapy under the direct supervision of the licensed, registered respiratory therapist/s (practitioner).

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Assessment:

• Assist in conducting initial patient assessments to gather relevant medical history and current respiratory conditions.
• Monitor and record vital signs, oxygen levels, and other pertinent data.

Equipment Setup and Maintenance:

• Prepare and set up respiratory therapy equipment for procedures such as oxygen administration, nebulizer treatments, and ventilator management.
• Ensure the cleanliness, functionality, and proper calibration of respiratory equipment.

Patient Education:

• Educate patients and their families on respiratory care procedures, equipment usage, and self-management techniques.

Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

• Work closely with respiratory therapists, nurses, and physicians.
• Communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care.

Monitoring and Documentation:

• Monitor patients during respiratory treatments, observing for any signs of distress or adverse reactions.
• Accurately document patient responses, treatment outcomes, and any changes in condition.

Emergency Response:

• Respond promptly to emergency situations, such as respiratory distress or equipment malfunctions.
• Implement basic life support measures and assist respiratory therapists in advanced life support procedures.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Adhere to established protocols, standards, and regulatory guidelines in the delivery of respiratory care.
• Participate in quality assurance activities and continuous improvement initiatives.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain thorough and organized patient records.
• Assist in ordering and managing inventory of respiratory supplies.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; must be actively enrolled in a recognized Respiratory Care program that has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care or its predecessor.
  • Must maintain a minimum grade of at least 2.0 in all RCP courses and an overall average of 2.0 must be maintained. The educational institution will also verify that the student has successfully completed competency evaluations that certifies the student to be competent in Respiratory Care Procedures. This role will not exceed a total of 12 months or at the point in which the student is eligible to be licensed by the Board.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association is required; additional certifications such as Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT) are advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physicians and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills.
• Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of license and certifications and hospital policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the patient care department.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Knowledge of respiratory therapy equipment and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accomodation.

About UNC Health Appalachian:

UNC Health Appalachian is the leading healthcare system in the High Country of North Carolina. Committed to building a healthier community and simply "Making Life Better," UNC Health Appalachian offers access to three hospitals, multiple medical offices, and twenty-two outpatient services. UNC Health Appalachian strives to continuously provide all members of the community with access to the best possible medical treatment, illness prevention, research, and wellness education. Visit for more information.

About UNC Health:
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Discrimination and harassment of any type is prohibited. Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and urine drug screen.

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